Arai ?

I have been viewing this site for many months but only a week or so ago did I join, I currently ride a cruiser, but this coming monday or tuesday I will be giving it the last ride down to my local honda store for trade in, hopefully my new '06 white, abs VFR will be in and built by then. Thanks by the way to all the people who answered my questions regarding this bike and who helped push me along to my purchase. Now that the bike is baught I am helmet shopping, on my cruiser I just where a half helmet (open face) but now I need something more substansial. I have been looking at arai for no reason other than style and magazine ads. What I want is 1- quiete, 2-comfort, 3- style.
any recomendations would be great. Im not looking for the best deal or the most expensive, simply the best one available today.

 

The general consensus with helmets seems to be something like this:
Pretty much all DOT and DOT/Snell certified helmets will do about the same job in protecting your noggin' in a crash situation. Most cheaper helmets are only DOT certified and more expensive lids are DOT and Snell....is one certification better than the other....who knows? I've heard the cheaper helmets are not Snell certified because the manufacturers simply don't want to pay Snell to do it...save money I guess.
What you get in a more expensive helmet is: 1. better materials 2. (sometimes) a lighter weight helmet 3. (usually) a quieter helmet 4. (usually)better venting 5. (debateably) better graphics/styling
On the fit issue, note that most of the more expensive lids (Aria, Shoei) will have different models based on head shape and can interchange cheek pads for a customized fit.
Personally, I'm a bit skeptical that all helmets do an equal job of protecting the head. I've yet to see a study on it, but almost every racer out there is wearing an expensive lid...even the privateers...maybe its just a sponsor/marketing thing, but I can only think that a racer is going to wear the best lid he can.
On that note, I recently ordered a Scorpion 700 helmet for about $200 at my local dealership. It's received great reviews, its Snell and DOT certified, and will do for the mean time till I can drop the $400 or so on the Shoei I really really want It's also customizable with different cheek pads.
http://www.scorpionusa.com/products/street.html
The thing to really keep in mind is FIT. Try on some lids at the dealership and figure out what fits your head. You might love a helmet in the catalog, but if it doesnt fit right, its not even worth considering. And search the internet, there are lots of reviews out there.
Good luck....enjoy yer new toy, and let us know how you like your new lid...

Mike

 

Hi jrj
Yep I agree with Miketegra - the thing that is important is "fit". All the helmets are sold with certification (obviously spend as much as you can afford) but beyond that get one that fits well. Go to a shop that ensures this is the case, its the same as ski boots, a good business suit or the like.
Without doubt Aari are good, but if your head does not fit it too bad. I've recently bought a Caberg (http://www.caberg-helm.com/ ) lift up helmet - its fantastic, especially if you are coming from an open face environment. Cruising along, or stuck in traffic up comes the front - taking things a bit faster and down comes the front for full protection.

Adam

 

I would have to agree that fit is important. I have a small head. My ocal dealer ordered for me a XS Fulmer AFD-4 (Joust) hemlet. All I can say is at teh top it fits ok, the rest does not fit at all. While I only dropped a bill on it, i hardly wear it becauseit does not fit well and it appears the Fulmer does not make cheek pads of varying thickness to swap out. I also bought a Bell helmet, the Sprint model, size medium, and it fits better than the Fulmer and I can order the insides in a size small if I want and can probably combine the small and medium to customize the fit. My next helmet will either be an HJC or I will go back to a Vega helmet.

 

My opinions are subjective of course since everyone's head is different, but I've recently switched from an Arai Quantum to a Shoei X-11. I've got a big round head and usually have trouble finding comfy helmets. My main complaint with the Arai is the terrible visor change mechanism, otherwise I was pretty happy with it. I'm pretty happy with my Shoei, it is quieter than my old Arai and just as comfortable. The specs indicate they weigh the same, but I swear the Shoei feels lighter on my head.

 

I think it's a matter of what fits better. I've got a Shoei head, so that's what I've always worn. I never found an Arai that fit comfortably until a few months ago when I stumbled on the Astral-X.

I think they're both great helmets, I simply chose the Arai because it fit as good as the Shoei's and I liked the color scheme more.

My buddy and his wife both have HJC's. Honestly they both look and feel cheap. That's the one place I just don't wanna have something "cheap" protecting.

I'm probably totally wrong, maybe the cheap ones protect the same... It just makes me feel better to KNOW I've got something quality on.

 

Thanks for your oppinions regarding helmets. It is true that fit is the most important, I just got back from my local dealer, I was set to buy an arai regardless of price and as it turns out neither of the sizes or styles fit "just right" I did discover the Shoei RF 1000 though and it fit much better than any Arai for my head shape, so it looks like I get to save a few $$$. I don't know what prices are like in other places but where I live most Arai helmets are $600-$800 CAD and the Shoei is around $550 CAD. Is anybody familliar with this particular model of Shoei.

 

The RF1000 is an outstanding helmet, I've got friends who wear them. I'd be wearing one if the X-11 hadn't fit me best.

 

Go DOT

Motorcyclist Magazine has, at the cost of several advertisers, researched Snell vs. DOT. Their testing suggests that the EPS in DOT rated helmets and shell ability to absorb shock offergreater protection than Snell rated helmets. Until I find better data, it's DOT for my family and my noggin.

Some of the"cheaper" Helmets provide better protection. We currently us 4 HJC's , 1 Shoie 1/2, and an Authur Fulmer. If hardness was all that mattered, we could all wear helmets made of steel or rock.

 

I know motorcyclist didnt favor the arai helmets in their comparison but I have an arai astral helmet. The fit for me is perfect, for the astral that is the main concern i had when i bought my helmet was that it fit properly and i didnt really care what color it was (just not pink). I don't think that at highway speeds it is very quiet in my helmet. Thats just my two cents worth.

 

On the Weight Issue, and its important function towards spinal and cervical health:For what its worth, I used to run Scorpion helmets. I had an Exo 400 and and Exo 700, plastic and fiberglass, respectively. Then, I decided to pop for a new helmet, and tried a Shoei. BIG differences. First and foremost, the weight difference is STAGGERING. My new Shoei RF1000 (cost $360 @ local Cycle Gear) weighs a lot less then my Scorpion EXO-700, and far far less then the 400. So much so, that my neck strains less over time while riding, and that translates to much longer rides without pain or issues. I happen to be a Spinal Health Specialist and Ergonomicist, so realizing that my forward head carriage weight was far less then before made me a beliver in a better helmet instantly. So much so, that even though the Shoei didn't really feel super-comfy at first (unlike the soft and wonderfully spacious Scorpions), and even though my hair now looks like CRAP after riding for more then 20 minutes (the Scorpions somehow didn't bother it, something about the shell liner's shape), the Shoei is still my first pick. The muscles you strain during a ride on a bike are some important ones, so it is good that the helmet weigh very little, so as to not disrupt the natural weight balance and distribution throughout these muscles. After all, it's proven that trigger points (muscle mass that contracts and won't stop, a knot if you will) which cause headaches, migranes, vertigo, etc. in your neck muscles, which we all know would ruin a good riding session QUICK. Lighter the better!

On the issue of Airflow: Also, the Scorpions are not so great at managing airflow. I should preface that with the fact that they flow VERY well, but also note that you have no control whatsoever on the flow. For instance, I would constantly flip levers, push buttons, and adjust my head position in an effort to STOP wind from entering the helmet when I was cold. Scorpion ventilation excellent, but unadjustable. Each adjustment made almost no change in the comfort level. Also, it was ungodly noisy. Thats ok, because I run the Shure E3 earphone/plugs, but still, it was a nuisance, with whistling being the worst at odd angles to check traffic. Shoei, on the other hand, appears to have good control of airflow. Ventilation is great when all vents and sliders are open, but I can control the airflow predictably when I want to. Also, the including chin curtain is effective. The Shoei is still noisy, even when buttoned up, but where the Scorpion is horrible, the Shoei is mildly annoying. Also, zero whistle.

On the issue of screens, and their operation Scorpions design with the quick twist mechanism is great for a few times, but then it starts to stick and harder and harder to operate. Time will tell with the Shoei, but the levers to remove the screen are stupidly simple, and I like that. It is just too easy. Click. Both brands do it well, but make sure to check the wear of the Scorp's design, and lube (maybe with a dry lube) the parts. Shoei looks better of the two. On the issue of the screens themselves, well Scorpion ones cost a ton less (like 1/2!, just like the helmets), and appear the same quality. The Scorpion ones are also waaaaay better at not fogging, something I got used to. The Shoei screens appear more scratch resistant from bugs and rocks, and I sure hope so, considering they are almost a $100 for 2, not counting the mirrored ones, which are like $65! Ripoff. The Scorpions are also thicker, not sure if thats good or bad, but they go up and down easier.

On the issue of fit and finish / quality / value The Scorpions, being 1/2 or less the price of Arais, Shoeis, etc., are a value king. Nothing protects your head better for less, if you follow the DOT and Snell stickers. That said, I can't tell you which is more likely to leave you out of the vegetable market. The Shoei is built damn good. The Scorpions I've owned have both required some Gorrillia Glue at some point. I've had parts fall off the Scorpions. The Shoei has better fit all around. The paint on my Shoei, a simple but beautiful (and exactly color matching to my 06 black pearl VFR) metallic pearl black, is stunning, and rivals my bike's paint. They look painted for each other. The Scorpions are pretty, but not stunning. They do have neat graphics for no real upgrade in cost though. With regard to the interior, its been said already that the Scorpion is nicer. It IS. It makes my head feel cozy, but snug. I love it. It also fell apart, and needed new pieces. The Shoei appears higher quality, but also less cozy and nice. Lets call this a DRAW. Money wise, you can own 2.5 Scorpions for one Shoei, or similar brand. The (lack of) weight is still a smart reason to upgrade, IMO.

On the issue of size and shape Some people don't realize it, but the outside of the helmet changes with the brand. Scorpions have large outer shells, compared to the Shoei. Interesting. It bugs me less to haul the Shoei around, and it also streamlines better in the wind.


I hope this comparison helps! I know it was quite a battle within my own mind to spend 300+ on a new helmet, especially when I could have used the money on new luggage or similar. But, I have no regrets, other then the occasional akward hairdo after riding for a while.

 

Great review / comparison !
Here is the link to the Motorcyclist Magazine article on helmets:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/
I plan to see how the Scorpion 700 does for me. If I find I really don't like it, I can always retire it as a spare or passenger helmet. From the article, and as others have said, there are a number of well-informed people indicating that DOT ONLY certified lids do the best at preventing injury and that Snell certified helmets transfer too much energy from the crash to your noggin....I guess the jury is still out....

Mike

 

I started in in motorcycling with an Arai F1, had an open face HJC when I wanted that "look" on my cruiser in the late 80s, and then moved through two more Arais to-date. The materials and finish of the Arai has always impressed me and they fit me very well. I have been shopping a bit lately, as my last Arai Quantum E needs replacement. While I read the Motorcyclist article and will put preference on European and DOT standards for safety, I can't seem to find a good fit so far with KBC, Shark or HJC full face. What's really disappointing is some of the selection at local shops. I wish I could find a huge selection to try as many as possible back-to-back. I thought it would be easier to find the right combination of fit and standard. Now I'm sure I'll shop for fit first and standards second.
I was moving down this thread waiting for someone to mention the "Blowing the Lid Off" article. Definitely one of the best articles I've read in motorcycle mag's for the past couple decades. If you haven't read it, you should.

 

Fit

Fit is probably the most pertinent issue. I wonder if any of us would survive a hit where the difference between Snell, DOT, or any standard would really matter.(Glad to cheer everyone up!)out:

Most of my helmets are HJC and 2 are "Flip-Ups". I have taken hard hits to one, and the front stayed locked. However, I think that naked girl on the boiler plate KBC would, at least, make me feel faster! A man's got to know his priorities!:biggrin:

 

For me the ICON Hooligan series was the way to go as far as comfort weight and looks. I have been really happy with it and when my head hit the windshield of that Lexus. I walked away with no head injury so 2 thumbs up for ICON and DOT and Snell. My helmet carries both approvals. I did replace the helmet after that with the same one though didn't want to try it out twice for impacts lol.

SGT Ski

 

As a firefighter/emt I have responded to quite a few motorcycle accidents. I cannot tell if DOT or Snell is better but I think any full face helmet properly fit AND STRAPPED ON will protect your noggen pretty well. As mentioned earlier the weight may make more of a difference since a lighter lid will put less strain on your neck.

On a safety note if you or a fellow rider does have a serious accident don't try to pull their lid off unless it is absolutely necessary to clear their airway. That being said I responded to two crashes in the past 6 weeks one cruier without a lid about 30mph lowside that had to be airlifted and a Yamaha R1 that hit a concrete bulkhead in a drainage ditch and flipped over the bars, the second rider had a full face strapped on and had no appearent serious injuries.

 

You have to try a variety of helmets....I was a little confused after some volunteer work and I bought an Arai Astral-X, very comfy and extremely light, was $575 CDN.:biggrin:

"Because there are few human volunteers for high-impact helmet testing—and because they would be a little confused after a hard day of 200-G impacts—it's done on a test rig."

 

I wear this helmet because it fits me better than ANY helmet I've ever tried & (other than the Suomy Spec1 Extreme) they look better than just about ever bucket on the market.

Before replacing my Quantum II with the RX7 I tried on:
Suomy Spec1 Extreme
Shoei X-11
HJC & KBC (don't remember the model #'s but both were well under $200)
Shark RSR2
Scorpion EXO 700
Icon Mainframe

All of the above have their ups & downs. It took me almost a year to settle on a helmet. When I finally bought the RX7, my wife was so fed up with me making trips to motorcycle dealer that she refused to go with me anymore unless I finally picked one out & bought it. I wanted to stay under $400 (wanted to stay in the ballpark of what I paid for my Quantum II) but in the end spent just south of $600. I must admit, I find Arai's to be louder than most helmets but I'm willing to deal with that since I ride with earplugs anyway. In the end, I believe they are more comfortable and for the most part put together better than just about all other manufacturers.

Each rider needs to disregard the sales-squid and sit in the dealer with the helmet you want on your head for at least 30 minutes. If it isn't comfortable in the dealer, it won't be on your bike. At the end of the day, buy the one that fits you best and always wear it.

KC-10 FE out...

 

I'm a man of few words. Have owned many helmets over the years but finally found, IMHO, the best (price, weight, fit, ease of changing shields, etc.) helmet on the market..................OGK!
Nuff said.